<p>If your business is Indigenous-owned and you want to sell to the federal government, the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) is one of the first places you should be listed. It is maintained by Indigenous Services Canada and is used to identify Indigenous suppliers.</p><h2 id="7a6d269e-553b-4238-901f-bb05891d03e7" data-toc-id="7a6d269e-553b-4238-901f-bb05891d03e7" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What the directory does</h2><p>Federal buyers use the IBD to find Indigenous businesses, including for contracts set aside under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business. The Government of Canada has also committed to a target of at least 5% of the total value of federal contracts going to Indigenous businesses. Being listed makes it easier for buyers working toward that target to find you.</p><h2 id="2322e629-3ebb-4e12-af43-9880ff9f0cd6" data-toc-id="2322e629-3ebb-4e12-af43-9880ff9f0cd6" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Who can register</h2><p>Eligibility rules are set by Indigenous Services Canada and include ownership and control requirements. Check the current criteria on the Government of Canada website before you apply, and have your business registration documents and ownership information ready.</p><h2 id="e033d73a-b6a1-4980-9723-8aa0a8446a5a" data-toc-id="e033d73a-b6a1-4980-9723-8aa0a8446a5a" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Registration is a start, not a strategy</h2><p>A listing alone rarely wins work. Pair it with a clear capability statement, a CanadaBuys supplier profile, and a habit of reviewing new opportunities in your field each week. Follow up with buyers, ask questions during the bid period, and keep your listing current.</p><h2 id="4665cc36-079d-4580-94ee-1b3cf444e481" data-toc-id="4665cc36-079d-4580-94ee-1b3cf444e481" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Questions to ask yourself</h2><ul><li><p>Is my business registered and in good standing?</p></li><li><p>Can I clearly describe what I sell and who I have sold it to?</p></li><li><p>Do I know which federal departments buy what I offer?</p></li><li><p>Am I ready to deliver if I win a contract next month?</p></li></ul><h2 id="57922eee-94d9-493b-8bd1-304ffcede070" data-toc-id="57922eee-94d9-493b-8bd1-304ffcede070" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">How JDionne &amp; Associates can help</h2><p>We support Indigenous entrepreneurs with directory and supplier registration, capability statements and bid preparation. <a target="_blank" href="/business-services">Explore our Business Services</a> or <a target="_blank" href="/contact">book a free discovery call</a>.</p>

What the federal Indigenous Business Directory is, why it matters for procurement, and how to make a listing work for you.

Why Register in the Indigenous Business Directory

Articles from JDionne & Associates on Indigenous recovery, mental health and the 60s Scoop, plus business planning, funding and contract-readiness guidance.

Why Register in the Indigenous Business Directory

Why Register in the Indigenous Business Directory

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